Working meeting with Governor of Samara Region Nikolai Merkushkin 2014-06-04 09:10:00 Sochi Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Governor of Samara Region Nikolai Merkushkin late on June 3. Mr Merkushkin briefed the President on the socioeconomic situation in the region, in particular the labour market situation, meeting demand at pre-school education facilities, and resolving issues in the housing and utilities sector. Mr Putin accepted Mr Merkushkin’s request to step down from office ahead of term in order to take part in the gubernatorial election in September.